Alisa A. Looney

   It is my intention to portray the essence of the human spirit in my work. I shape and fabricate metal into open, energetic human form, representing movement and the expression of life.

The flow of this life energy is depicted in my work using curving forms with spiraling cut-outs, creating a dynamic movement within the human body. Carefully designed shapes of metal and the open spaces between them, play against each other to create the form, with stylized details of muscles, spine, ribs and pelvis. Pieces are cut and shaped from sheets of steel, bronze or stainless, and welded together like a puzzle. The open shapes create lightness in the metal, allowing the form to feel as if it is moving through space freely, unbounded.

I draw from years of experimental dance and movement, the place where I find my greatest moments of free expression. Observing dancers, I capture their shapes between movements, and the spaces between bodies, in gesture drawings and paintings. I transform these images into 3 dimensional designs, which are first made of paper board, then transferred to metal in the fabrication process. I enjoy working with the pliability and strength of metal, cutting and shaping it into permanent forms that will last through time. I work in many sizes, from table top pieces, to life size or larger, creating public sculptures that can be viewed by people from all walks of life. It is my hope to inspire others to be fully self-expressed in their lives.

   Alisa Looney is a sculptor, dancer, painter and designer. She received her BFA from Boise State University in 1983. She has been a professional graphic designer and fine artist since 1981 and presently owns and operates Vision Design in Portland, OR. She fell in love with metal arts as a silver smith in her early years. She began welding in 1998 and is currently focused on creating public art works that inspire people to live fully. Alisa resides in Portland, with her husband Wade Womack and their son Finn. She can be reached at 503-283-6181 or alisa@alooney.com.